Misconceptions
Will a patient have to take Morphine?
No; there are many other medications out there to help with pain and comfort.
Which one is paid for by Medicare?
Hospice. Palliative is paid for by the patient.
When should someone look into Hospice?
patient is facing a life-limiting disease, showing signs of decline and wishes of the patient.
What is Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen is the most commonly prescribed hospice medication. Known by the brand name Tylenol, it is used to reduce fever and pain. It temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to headache, backache, toothache, the common cold, and minor pain related to arthritis. While side effects are rare, serious side effects can include nausea, upper stomach pain (Common Hospice Medications, 2021).
Is Hospice for people with advanced illnesses? T or F?
True: Hospice provides symptom and pain management for patients with serious illness, no matter their age, culture, beliefs, or cause of illness (Vitas.com, 2021).
Why do people think that Hospice is giving up?
It is a common misconception that hospice is about dying when, in reality, it is designed to help terminally ill patients live their final days to the fullest(Hospice Myths & Misconceptions: Separating Fact from Fiction, 2021). The ultimate goal of hospice care is to increase the patient's quality of life and provide support for family members and caretakers to ensure that the patient's final days are as comfortable as possible (Hospice Myths & Misconceptions: Separating Fact from Fiction, 2021).
At what stage of a disease can a person be on Palliative care?
Any stage; Hospice is when you have 6 or less months to live as provided by an HCP.
What are some life limiting diseases?
The most common disease and conditions associated with hospice care, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, are:
Other conditions include end-stage liver and kidney disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease) and other degenerative neurological diseases (vitas,2021).
What are Anticholinergics?
Anticholinergic and antispasmodic drugs are used to regulate contraction and relaxation of muscles. Benadryl is a commonly known medication that falls in this category. Conditions that may require anticholinergics include Parkinson's, COPD, asthma, overactive bladder, muscle spasms, breathing problems, diarrhea, gastrointestinal cramps, movement disorders, and others (Common Hospice Medications, 2021).
Hospice can only happen in a person's home. T or F?
False: Hospice can happen anywhere. Hospice is a service that comes to the patient in the place they prefer to be for end-of-life care. Patients at home feel better surrounded by the faces and things they know and love (Vitas.com, 2021).
Once You Enter Hospice Care, You Can Never Go Back. Myth or fact?
Myth; patients can stop hospice whenever they choose.
Where is care usually provided in Hospice care?
Anywhere the patient calls home; Palliative care is usually in the hospital.
What is Hospice?
It is type of health care that focuses on terminally ill patient's pain and symptoms and attending to their emotional and spiritual needs at the end of life. Hospice care prioritizes comfort and quality of life by reducing pain and suffering as well as for the family.
What is Lorazepam?
Also known as Ativan.
Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety. Per the previously mentioned study, Lorazepam was the second most-prescribed drug among hospice patients (Common Hospice Medications, 2021).
Hospice is a choice. T or F?
True. Hospice is a choice. Patients can leave, or “revoke their hospice status,” at any time for any reason. Patients can also come back to hospice at any time, as long as they meet hospice eligibility guidelines (Vitas.com, 2021).
Why do I need a DNR to be on Hospice?
Patient's do not need a DNR. A DNR is one of several legal documents patients often choose to include when creating an advanced healthcare directive, but it is by no means a requirement of hospice (Hospice Myths & Misconceptions: Separating Fact from Fiction, 2021).
What do Palliative and Hospice have in common?
Provide comfort care, reduce stress, and offer symptom relief for an illness.
How many types of Hospice care are there?
Four; At home, continuous care, inpatient and respite.
What is Haldol?
Also Known as Haloperidol it is an antipsychotic drug used in the treatment of terminal agitation and delirium.
There is a limit to how long you can be on Hospice. T or F?
False. There is no limit to the time a patient can be on hospice. Hospice is for patients who have 6 months or less to live according to a doctor, and it can be extended when needed. In surveys, family members often say, “we wish we had known about hospice sooner.” ((Vitas.com, 2021).
Why do I need a doctor's referral to come on to Hospice?
Patients do not need a referral from a doctor; One of the top facts about hospice everyone should know is that anyone can make a referral to hospice (Hospice Myths & Misconceptions: Separating Fact from Fiction, 2021). If a family member, friend, or loved one believes a patient could benefit from hospice care, they are allowed to make a referral which will be followed by a doctor's order to qualify the patient for coverage (Hospice Myths & Misconceptions: Separating Fact from Fiction, 2021).
Are patients able to do both if they choose?
It depends; It is usually based on the illness and situation.
What happens if a patient gets better on Hospice care?
Patients can choose to stop hospice care whenever they want.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a hospice medication used to help relieve severe, ongoing pain such as that caused by cancer. Patients with consistent pain, particularly those with difficulty swallowing, are often prescribed a long-acting Fentanyl transdermal patch(Common Hospice Medications, 2021). This medication also can be dispensed in a dissolving, under-the-tongue tablet (Common Hospice Medications, 2021).
Most patients have Medicare pay for just the medication, supplies and DME. T or F?
False. Most hospice patients do not have any out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare Part A covers up to 100% of the cost of hospice care related to a hospice-eligible patient’s illness, with no deductible or copayment. Private or employer-provided health coverage can vary. Check with your insurance provider for details about hospice eligibility, coverage, and out-of-pocket expenses. Medicaid provides hospice coverage, but it varies by state (Vitas, 2021).